He said he extended the year-long period as a gesture of goodwill but when Mr Smith asked for his money back, he could not afford to refund him.

“This isn’t a squash court,” he told the court.

“We are based on weather and conditions. I would still be happy to provide him with the sessions. This fell apart because of the one time he came to the beach and it wasn’t suitable to take him out.”

Mr Smith said he had taken time to research the deal and had not seen any time-limit stated on the firm’s website.

District judge Clarke noted how Mr Baker had failed to provide witness statements or evidence to back-up his claim.

She noted the requirements were clearly detailed in correspondence to both sides ahead of the hearing.

“Unfortunately the defendant has very little to back up what he tells me,” she said.

The judge awarded Mr Smith the full £600 claim, plus £140 costs.

Mr Baker offered to repay £100 per month.

Mr Baker was elected to Salvington ward in the Worthing Borough Council elections in May, 2016.

He was suspended by the Conservative Party days later, shortly after the Herald asked him a series of questions about official documents, which appeared to show a number of county court judgments (CCJs) against him and Baker Academy.

West Worthing Conservative Association chairman Tom Wye confirmed in November that the suspension had been continued until the beginning of 2017, when he could reapply.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Baker, currently sitting as an Independent, said he still planned to reapply to join the party.